Overview
An SBOM is like a 'list of ingredients' for software. It provides transparency into the software supply chain, allowing organizations to quickly identify if they are affected by a newly discovered vulnerability in a third-party component.
Key Information in an SBOM
- Component name and version.
- License information.
- Dependency relationships (which components rely on others).
- Unique identifiers (e.g., CPE or PURL).
Benefits
- Vulnerability Management: Rapidly identifying affected systems when a CVE is announced.
- License Compliance: Ensuring all components meet legal requirements.
- Risk Assessment: Evaluating the security posture of third-party software before purchase.